Caterpillar Inc.
Fuel reformer cooler

Abstract:

A fuel reformer cooler for cooling a hydrogen-containing effluent released from a fuel reformer is disclosed. The fuel reformer cooler may comprise a heat transfer wall separating an effluent conduit from a coolant conduit and permitting heat transfer from the effluent in the effluent conduit to a coolant in the coolant conduit therethrough. The heat transfer wall may be formed from a base that includes a first surface facing the coolant conduit and a second surface facing the effluent conduit. The cooler may further comprise an anti-hydrogen embrittlement layer applied to the second surface of the base to shield the base from exposure to the effluent, and a plurality of symmetrical fins each extending through the anti-hydrogen embrittlement layer and contacting the second surface of the base. The plurality of symmetrical fins may project into the effluent conduit.